Beyond Excel and Powerpoint: knowledge maps for the transfer and creation of knowledge in organizations

This paper presents a framework and three case studies on knowledge maps in organizations. In organizations, speed, clarity, and effectiveness are essential for the transfer of knowledge. Today, mainly text is used. This paper illustrates how knowledge maps, a subset of knowledge visualization, help to transfer strategic knowledge in organizations. First, we introduce a framework that structures knowledge maps. Secondly, we describe with three complementary case studies how organizations profited from the various functions of knowledge maps. The findings are important for researchers in the fields of knowledge visualization, information visualization, knowledge management and for practitioners from different industries.